In the Georgian era, several of the most famous architects and designers from British history plied their trade.
One of the most famous architects during this period was Robert Adam who was inspired by his grand tour of Europe.
After returning, he established a practice with his younger brother James. Together, they worked hard to create several of the renowned public buildings and country houses that people still travel from far and wide to see today.
In this article we will provide an overview of the design styles in Georgian era Britain and explain the intertwining of Palladian, Rococo and Neoclassical principles.
An introduction to the Georgian era
Georgian architecture is still celebrated, with famous examples including Somerset House in London.
First of all, when was Georgian era architecture and furniture designed? Well, the exact duration of the Georgian era in British history differs slightly depending on who you ask!
There is common ground though – the period takes its name from the four Hanoverian kings George I, George II, George III and George IV. They reigned between 1714 and 1830, therefore many claim that these were the Georgian era years.
However, others argue that the Georgian era lasted until 1837 to include the short reign of king William IV too. That takes Britain up to the Victorian era which began in 1837 when Queen Victoria took the throne.
George V and George VI, reigning in the 20th century after the Edwardian period, did not continue the Georgian era. It’s more common to talk about these years as the First World War, interwar and Second World War years.
Today there are still many physical remains and reminders of the Georgian era. Georgian architecture is still celebrated, with famous examples including Somerset House in London.
Georgian era antique furniture
An elegant Georgian fireplace was often the focal point of the main room
The larger Georgian houses tended to be wide and shallow to look impressive from afar and inside these buildings, the furniture and decoration also conveyed a sense of grandeur.
An elegant Georgian fireplace was often the focal point of the main room. They tended to embrace classical principles, similar to Greek and Roman architecture.
Adam’s fireplace style is very well-known. They have classical motifs carved into central endblocks and tablets, with columned jambs.
Here is an example of a very rare stone chimneypiece by Adam from our collection:
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Above the fireplace there would often be an ornate mirror or bold picture frame.
And in wealthy homes, above the fireplace and hanging from the ceiling, you would often see a magnificent chandelier. Chandeliers in the Georgian era moved on from the previous period’s metal and wire frames holding crystal beads.
Advances in glass manufacturing meant that chandeliers could now have glass arms strong enough to hold the weight of candles and intricate designs. This is a Georgian style cut glass chandelier from our stock:
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Chairs and tables often had ball-and-claw or pad feet, at the end of cabriole or tapered legs
The wooden Georgian furniture style tended to consist of straight forms with some intricate ornamentation.
Take a look at any antique furniture feet to see if it may be Georgian – chairs and tables often had ball-and-claw or pad feet, at the end of cabriole or tapered legs.
Here is a rare example of a George III metamorphic mahogany piece, doubling up as a tea and games table.
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Georgian era – period design features
Arguably there was no single Georgian style, understandable for a period lasting more than a hundred years.
Revisiting the era, figures such as William Kent played a part bringing back a Palladian architectural style. This form followed strict principles of symmetry and classical tradition.
As a final expression of the Baroque movement, the Rococo style also spread from France to Britain during the 18th century.
This led to a rise of highly ornamental Rococo interior design styles with flowing lines and curved shapes.
Later in the Georgian era, the Adam style embraced Neoclassicism, using classical motifs once more but also linked to Enlightenment ideals.
Some of Adam’s other famous works include the Royal Exchange in Edinburgh and Pulteney Bridge in Bath, great examples of Neoclassical architecture.
Final thoughts: Georgian era antique furniture
Georgian era architecture and antique furniture endures today as one of the most popular styles
Other notable Georgian style proponents during this time included John Nash, James Wyatt, James Gibbs and Sir William Chambers. The list goes on and there are too many to mention here!
Whether through Palladian or Neoclassical design principles, Georgian era architecture and antique furniture endures today as one of the most popular styles. Following the Georgian era, a rise in mass production helped bring in a new Victorian interior design style that was more affordable and accessible to the general public.
For a broader history of interior design, look no further than our article covering everything from Ancient Egypt to the later offerings of the Regency era. This era is a subset of the Georgian period, itself representing a period of elegance and a return to antiquity.
To find out more about our fireplaces and wide range of antique furniture, from the Georgian era or other periods, please get in touch.